FREQUENTLY ASKED TANNING QUESTIONS


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Q : WHAT IS THE TANNING PROCESS?

A : UVB (from the sun or in a low pressure indoor tanning unit) stimulates the melanocytes in the upper skin layer (called the epidermis) which then produce melanin. The pale pink melanin granules formed in the melanocytes are stored around the core of the keratin cells. In this manner the pigment granula protects the sensitive DNA located inside the nuclei without impeding the other parts of the cell receiving ultraviolet light. UVA then darkens the melanin, thereby giving the skin a dark appearance. A tan gradually fades as the skin cells migrate to the surface.


Q : IS PIGMENTATION INDUCED BY EXPOSURE TO INDOOR TANNING EQUIPMENT THE SAME AS A TAN OBTAINED FROM THE SUN?

A : Both the sun and low pressure indoor tanning equipment emit UVA and UVB, a combination of ultraviolet light which most efficiently produces pigmentation and darkening in the skin. The most prominent difference in exposure is the times in which the tanning process takes place and also the external factors existing in outside sunlight. Some examples include the time of year and day, altitude, cloud coverage, pollutants, proximity to the equator, reflective surface, etc. Indoor tanning is in a controlled environment while outdoor tanning is in an uncontrolled environment.


Q : WHY DOES A TAN DISAPPEAR?

A : The "tan", or pigmentation process, occurs in the epidermis, the top skin layer. The epidermis replaces all its skin cells every 28-30 days. Cells in the inner portion of the top skin layer divide themselves, migrate to the surface, gradually die and slough off. Skin cells contain melanin, and as a result of UV exposure, rise to the surface and flake off. Therefore, a tan can be maintained only by repeated exposure to UV light.


Q : A 20 MINUTE SESSION IN A TANNING BED IS EQUIVALENT TO HOW MANY HOUR IN THE NATURAL SUN?

A : It is difficult to make a simple comparison between the sun and modern indoor tanning equipment. Just as various kinds of indoor tanning lamps and equipment differ in spectral output and energy emitted, the sun's strength is dependent on several factors as well, such as the time of day or year, the latitude, cloud cover, pollution and reflection. Consequently, there is no formula for relating indoor tanning exposure times to outdoor exposure times.


Q : WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO DEVELOP A BASE TAN?

A : Moderate exposure to UVB helps develop a natural barrier in the skin to protect the body from excessive UV light. UVB stimulates the production of melanin which then surrounds the core of cells to protect the DNA. This melanin substance absorbs and/or scatters radiation. In addition, exposure to UVB thickens the epidermis (the top skin layer), thereby limiting the amount of UV light which could penetrate the lower skin layers. If this photo-protection (base tan) is not developed or a sunscreen is not used, sunburn can occur and the DNA of the skin cells may become damaged. Repeated sunburn can result in damaged cells which then reproduce themselves. This could be the initial development of skin cancer. Therefore, it's wise to use a broadband sunscreen while exposed over a prolonged period of time or in sun intensive regions.


Q : CAN THE UV RAYS EMITTED BY INDOOR TANNING LAMPS PASS THROUGH THE SKIN AND EFFEGCT INTERNAL ORGANS?

A : The UV rays emitted by indoor tanning lamps do not emit sufficient energy to penetrate past the skin layers. Thus, despite claims and rumors to the contrary, internal organs are not directly impacted by longer wave UV light.


Q : WHY DO SOME DERMATOLOGISTS WARN PEOPLE AGAINST SUN EXPOSURE?

A : While some dermatologists may advocate total avoidance of all sun exposure, the media seems to quote only those who do. Many dermatologists and others from the medial community have acknowledged the need for moderate sun exposure, while advocating the use of sunscreens.


Q : WHAT CAUSED WHITE SPOTS?

A : There are several reasons why white spots become noticeable on the body once the tanning process begins.

-Patches of skin which do not tan could be the result of genetic determination. The melanocytes in that certain area may simply not be efficient at producing melanin.

-White spots could also appear due to the presence of a fungus which lives on the skin's surface. While the fungus is harmless, it does absorb UV light which would normally penetrate the skin. This fungus did not appear as a result of tanning; it merely becomes noticeable once tanning occurs. It can be remedied through the use of prescription drugs or some other topical lotions.

-White patches of skin, which are often prominent on the shoulder blades and just above the buttocks, can be caused by the pressure from the body as it reclines on a hard surface. This pressure inhibits the flow of blood through that area of the skin. Since blood carries oxygen which is essential to the tanning process, this area does not tan. Periodic body shifting during tanning will make these white patches disappear.

-Certain medications can react unfavorably with exposure to UV light. For example, birth control pills can cause blotches and uneven pigmentation of the skin.


Q : DOES TANNING HELP TREAT DEPRESSION OR SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD)?

A : There exists a growing body of scientific evidence which indicates that some people actually require more light exposure in order to function properly. Exposure to bright light, such as that emitted by the mid-day summer sun, causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin acts as a depressant in the body if generated during the daytime. Thus, when affected people are exposed to longer hours of bright light, they feel happier, euphoric and more able to enjoy life. Bright light sources emitting only visible light, are now frequently used to successfully treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Sub-syndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD).


Q : WHY SHOULD I TAN?

A : Sunlight is absolutely essential to all life on earth. There are various reasons, both biological and psychological, why exposure to light is desirable. It is physically impossible for your body to produce vitamin D without some sort of UV exposure. In addition, many people believe they look better with a tan. Thus, having a tan may provide a psychological uplift for some.


Q : CAN TEENS AND CHILDERN TAN INDOORS?

A : At this time, there appears to be no biological reason why teenagers and children could not tan indoors. However, it is important for all salon operators to ensure that customers make an informed choice regarding indoor tanning. It is questionable whether a minor can make such a decision. Many states, for example, have used the following guidelines...recommending that persons under 18 years old obtain the written consent of their parent or legal guardian and also advising that persons under 15 be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Such precautions may be necessary for liability considerations. In addition, those states which have enacted their own regulations for the indoor tanning industry often include provisions which include parental consent for minors.


Q : MUST PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR BE WORN WHILE TANNING INDOORS?

A : Yes. The Food and Drug Administration (21 CFR 1040.20) requires that protective eyewear which meets its transmissions specifications be supplied to each indoor tanner. Some state regulations require the salon operator to refuse tanning services to those who will not wear eyewear. Eyewear can be purchased here for $4.00


Q : ARE ANY LOTIONS OR CREAMS BENEFICIAL TO THE TANNING PROCESS?

A : Yes. For three reasons:

- Hydration. It is necessary that skin be hydrated sufficiently to reach and maintain the desired tan. Dry, neglected skin reflects UV light, not allowing it to tan underneath. It also exfoliates faster, causing the tan to fade quickly.

- Nutrition.  The natural vitamins in many lotions or creams are fundamental to the skin's appearance and to its ability to tan. Along with other hydrating properties, these vitamins replenish the necessary nutrition to skin, promoting cell regeneration and oxygenation for greatly improved tanning results.

- Oxygenation.  Oxygen fuels all skin cell functions, thereby accelerating the tanning process. A good lotion or cream containing vitamins and botanical oil formulas help achieve deep oxygenation to stimulate melanin production for the best tan possible.

Q : WHY IS IT ESSENTIAL TO KEEP YOUR SKIN MOISTURIZED DURING THE TANNING PROCESS?

A : Skin loses water to the atmosphere by diffusion through the epidermis and the sweat glands. Constant cell renewal, the intercellular lipids and the NMF (natural moisturizing factor) keep moisture loss in balance. Moisture loss from the skin is referred to as TEWL or transepidermal water loss. It is necessary for the skin to maintain between 10 and 20% water in the stratum corneum to avoid dry skin conditions. Dry skin is rough, feels abnormally tight and may show signs of fine lines and wrinkles. Because the skin is rough, it will not be able to reflect light from its surface uniformly giving the skin a dull appearance. This also affects UV-absorption because the dry, rough skin may refract UV-light. The task of moisturizing cosmetic products is to improve the degree of hydration of the skin. Active moisturizing ingredients help counter the drying-out of the stratum corneum of the epidermis, and thus contribute to the skin's smoothness and elasticity, while helping deliver greater tanning results.

Q : WHAT IS HOT ACTION AND WHAT DOES IT DO TO MY SKIN?

A : Hot Action, also known as Tropical Heat, Skin Stimulation and Tingle, is a combination of Benzyl Nicotinate and Methyl Nicotinate. These ingredients increase the microcirculation of the skin, or cause the blood vessels in the skin to open, which increases blood flow. The reddening appearance and warming effect on the skin is a result of the increase in blood flow, similar to the flush you feel when you increase your body's blood flow when you begin exercising. This increased blood flow also increases the oxygenation of the skin and aids in the delivery of required nutrients throughout the skin. This speeds up the skin's natural growth and maintenance processes. Hot Action causes a transitory or temporary skin response. The duration of the effect will depend on the intensity of the Hot Action product and the sensitivity of each individual's skin. Usually the Hot Action response initiates fairly quickly once the product is applied to the skin and will last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.

Q : IS HOT ACTION DANGEROUS?

A : Although some people with sensitive skin may find the Hot Action effects uncomfortable, it is not inherently dangerous. In fact, Benzyl Nicotinate and Methyl Nicotinate are often found in muscle rubs that are recommended by doctors for muscle soreness and stiffness.

Q : IS THERE ANYONE WHO SHOULD NOT USE HOT ACTION LOTIONS?

A : It is recommended that people with sensitive skin do not use Hot Action products as they are likely to find the reddening and heating effects uncomfortable. It is also recommended that all tanners begin with a mild Hot Action product and work their way up in intensity based on their own level of comfort.

Q : IS THE HOT ACTION EFFECT SIMILAR TO A SUNBURN?

A : Yes and no. The reddening you experience from a sunburn is also the result of increased blood circulation. However, when the skin has been overexposed to UV light, the increased circulation is naturally triggered by the skin trying to repair damaged cells. With Hot Action products, the blood vessels are merely responding to the Hot Action ingredients, just like they would respond to a muscle rub, such as Ben-Gay. The Hot Action products do not cause any damage to skin cells and, in fact, actually help these cells function more efficiently.

Q : IS HOT ACTION ADDICTIVE?

A : Rumors have traveled for years that Benzyl and Methyl Nicotinate have a similar addictive effect on people as the Nicotine found in cigarettes. This is absolutely false. The Nicotine ingredient found in tobacco products is not at all similar to the ingredients used in Hot Action products. It is true that many people who use Hot Action products come to really like the warming and reddening effects they experience when they tan and miss it when they use products without Hot Action. However, this does not mean that they are physically addicted to Hot Action - perhaps just psychologically addicted

Q : WHAT ARE BRONZERS?

A : Bronzers deliver a colored appearance to the skin for a "temporary tan." Depending on the manufacturer of the product, a bronzer can either be a product that contains a temporary bronze tint that can be washed off with soap and water or it can be a product that contains a small percentage of DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), a self-tanning ingredient, that causes the skin to brown on the surface for 3-5 days, mimicking a natural tan. There are some products that contain both, allowing the bronzing tint to act like a guide for applying the self-tanning lotion.

Q : HOW DO BRONZERS WORK?

A : DHA, known to most tanners as bronzers, is used as a self-tanning agent. It does not produce a "real tan" by increasing skin melanin levels, but it can create the tan appearance by way of the development of a brown skin coloring. The action of DHA is limited to the upper layer of the skin and involves a reaction between DHA and skin proteins. DHA reacts with the amino acids and amino groups of the skin's keratin-forming brown-colored compounds. The process takes place in the outer layers of the epidermis. There is much evidence to suggest that the process is similar to Maillard Reaction, also known as "non-enzymatic browning". In this reaction, reducing sugars combine with amino acids, proteins and peptides to form various amino carbonyl compounds via a complex chain of reactions, which is not yet completely understood. According to the Maillard Reaction, pyruvic acid and other hydroxycarbonyl compounds are probably formed from Dihydroxyacetone, which, after further reaction steps, forms brown compounds. The development of color takes anywhere from 2 - 4 hours and the intensity is dependent on the formulation concentration of the DHA in the product.

Q : WHY USE A PRODUCT THAT CONTAINS A BRONZER?

A : A natural tan takes about 24-48 hours to develop. Therefore, a product that contains a bronzer is an excellent way to get a boost of color while a natural tan develops. Customers who may be fair-skinned or who want to see results immediately will enjoy the instant gratification of seeing bronzed results 2-4 hours after application. Bronzing products are also beneficial for evening out both skin tone and tanning results and can help maintain a healthy-looking, bronzed glow in between tanning sessions

Q : WHAT CAUSE THE "AFTER TAN ODOR" AND HOW DO I GET RID OF IT?

A : The heated environment of the tanning bed causes the body to perspire. Perspiration disrupts the balance of bacteria on the skin, allowing the odor causing bacteria to increase in number. Due to the increase in bacteria forming on the skin it causes an unpleasant odor known as the "after tan" odor. California Tan developed the Biosaccharide Complex to help tanners prevent the unpleasant odor that may develop on the skin while tanning. Through research it was discovered that Biosaccharide gum-1 displays anti-adhesive properties (deodorant properties), allowing it to bind with bacteria instead of bacteria binding to the skin and causing odor.

Q : WHY DO SOME PEOPLE ITCH AFTER TANNING INDOORS?

A : Itching and/or rashes may be linked to several unrelated causes, so it is important to get a tanning history on each customer. Some people are naturally photosensitive; that is, they may have an allergy which becomes symptomatic upon exposure to UV. Others are susceptible to heat rashes, a cause totally unrelated to UV light. Certain chemicals or ingredients found in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, and even the acrylic cleaner may cause itching as well. Rashes caused by the products generally occur in localized areas on which the products were applied. Customers should be advised to tan with the skin as clean as possible. If discontinued use of a suspected product does not inhibit the rash, a person should discontinue any exposure to UV light until the condition subsides or see a physician. If the customer wishes to tan thereafter, his/her exposure schedule should be adjusted to shorter sessions over a longer period of time.


Q : IS IT SAFER TO TAN WHILE YOU'RE PREGNANT?

A : It must first and foremost be understood that UV tanning rays do not penetrate to a depth that would directly affect a fetus. That is, UVA and UVB light only penetrate to and interact with the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin. However, there are indirect factors that must be considered when allowing a pregnant consumer to tan in your tanning facility. One of the biggest concerns regarding tanning and pregnancy lies with the possibility of dehydration or overheating, which is referred to medically as hyperthermia. In the initial stages of pregnancy, there are certain studies that have linked extreme hyperthermia to birth defects including heart problems, abdominal-wall defects and problems with the development of the nervous system. Most of these problems are rare, have not been linked to indoor tanning and only have been associated with prolonged exposure to temperatures of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or more for several hours in the early stages of pregnancy. Fortunately, regulatory standards typically limit the maximum temperature for commercial tanning devices to 100 F. As a rule, in the later stages of pregnancy, most doctors report that a normal fetus is less sensitive to heat, although caution still should be exercised. When considering the heat generated by tanning devices and pregnancy, common sense plays an important role. Pregnant women who decide to tan should be sure and stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. And, whether a consumer is pregnant or not, when a person starts to feel uncomfortable from the heat, it is time to end the tanning session. Due to the fact there is no scientific proof on the effects of tanning while pregnant, we require written permission from your doctor stating they find it acceptable for you to tan while pregnant.


Q : DOES SHOWERING AFFECT A TAN?

A : Some clients have been misinformed about taking a shower after tanning.   They were led to believe that, somehow, their tan would get washed down the drain. A shower, like a tanning session, may tend to dry out the skin. While you can't necessarily wash your tan off, moist skin tans and retains a tan better than dry skin. On the pH scale of 0-14, the skin registers slightly acidic (about 5.6). Most soaps are well above the neutral pH, or about 7 on the scale. Using a typical over-the-counter soap with this higher alkaline pH can strip your skin of its essential acidic oils. Those oils lock in your skin's moisture. Shower gels are usually less harsh than regular bar soap. Always apply a good quality moisturizer after a shower to help preserve your tan. Showering after a session tends to dry out the skin, but there is evidence that showering before a tanning session may actually enhance tanning results. First, the heat from a shower opens your pores, enabling the skin to breathe and take in oxygen vital to the tanning process. Second, a shower will wash away dirt and dead skin cells that may impede ultraviolet penetration when you tan. Removing those dead cells also allows the active ingredients in lotions to work there way into the live skin cells more easily.

Q : IS IT POSSIBLE TO CONTRACT AIDS AND OTHER SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES FROM INDOOR TANNING EQUIPMENT?

A : The passing on of most sexually transmitted diseases requires the exchange of bodily fluids from one person to another. This exchange does not take place by using indoor tanning equipment. It is absolutely essential that the acrylic be sanitized with the appropriate sanitizer after each use.


Q : CAN TANNING CUASE WRINKLES?

A : Yes. Excessive exposure, particularly the high-intensity UVA, can destroy the resilient fibers of the lower skin layer, thereby causing the top skin layer to sag. Thus, wrinkling appears. UVA, if not blocked by pigmentation and skin thickening in the outer skin layer, can penetrate to the dermas and destroy skin elasticity. Thus, if one makes the decision to tan, it is recommended that one use a light source which contains both UVA and UVB. Even if a person uses a sunscreen, if it does not block both UVA and UVB, damage to the lower skin layer can still occur upon overexposure.